Kleptomania is a mental health disorder marked by repeated difficulty resisting urges to steal, often items the person does not need. It is not simply another word for shoplifting: the pattern, motives, and feelings around the behavior matter, and only a qualified clinician can assess it.
What kleptomania is—and how it differs from theft for gain
In kleptomania, a person experiences recurring urges to steal items they generally do not need. Episodes are often sudden and unplanned, and the items may have little value to the person. They may be hidden, given away, donated, or returned. This differs from stealing for personal gain, revenge, a dare, or rebellion; the act of theft alone does not establish kleptomania.
These descriptions are not a checklist for self-diagnosis. A clinician considers the broader pattern and circumstances, and not everyone experiences every feature described below.
How the urge cycle can feel
- Before: Tension or anxiety may build as the urge becomes difficult to resist.
- During: Stealing may bring pleasure, relief, or satisfaction.
- After: Guilt, remorse, shame, self-loathing, or fear may follow. The urge can return, restarting the cycle.
The cycle can cause substantial distress and may contribute to relationship, work, financial, or legal problems. Other mental health or substance-use conditions can also occur alongside kleptomania, but they are not inevitable.
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What is known about causes and prevalence
“The causes of kleptomania are not known,” Mayo Clinic states in its patient guidance dated September 30, 2022. The clinic discusses possible links involving serotonin, dopamine and reward, the opioid system, and learned habit, but these are theories rather than established causes; more research is needed.
Mayo Clinic reported in 2022 that about two-thirds of people with known kleptomania are female. That figure concerns known cases and is not a population prevalence estimate; the patient guidance does not provide a study sample or uncertainty interval alongside it. The reviewed guidance does not establish a robust overall prevalence figure.
How clinicians assess kleptomania
Assessment is based on a clinical evaluation, not a quiz or a single incident. A clinician may ask about urges, feelings, triggers, and consequences; conduct a physical exam to consider medical causes; and use psychological evaluation or questionnaires. Clinicians may refer to DSM guidelines, but a self-assessment cannot confirm a diagnosis.
If the behavior feels uncontrollable, contact a medical professional and ask for an assessment or referral to a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist with relevant experience. Mayo Clinic suggests bringing questions about why the stealing feels hard to stop and what treatment may help.
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There is no single standard treatment. Mayo Clinic notes: “However, there’s no standard kleptomania treatment, and researchers are still trying to understand what may work best.” Care may involve psychotherapy, medication, or both; a clinician’s plan may also account for co-occurring conditions.
| Option | What it may involve | Important limits |
|---|---|---|
| Psychotherapy | Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and skills for recognizing and managing urges. | A clinician should tailor the approach; the reviewed guidance does not establish a guaranteed outcome. |
| Medication | A provider may consider medicines such as naltrexone or an SSRI depending on the person’s situation. | Medication research is limited, and Mayo Clinic says no medicine is FDA-approved specifically for kleptomania. Choices and risks require a clinician’s guidance. |
| Combined or additional support | Psychotherapy and medication may be used together; a clinician may also discuss self-help groups. | There is no standard combination. A support group is not a substitute for professional assessment or care. |
Managing returning urges and seeking support
Relapses can occur. Mayo Clinic advises following the agreed treatment plan, identifying situations that trigger urges, and contacting a provider or trusted person when urges return. Discuss support groups with a clinician as part of a broader care plan.
If you are worried about your own behavior, seeking help is a practical step—not a diagnosis or a judgment. A mental health professional can help assess what is happening and discuss appropriate care.
Mayo Clinic: Kleptomania symptoms and causes
Mayo Clinic: Kleptomania diagnosis and treatment
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